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Salted Dark Chocolate Pistachio Quinoa Crunch Bars

No-bake crunchy bars with toasted quinoa, pistachios, nut butter, and a salted dark chocolate topping for a healthy, indulgent snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 0.5 cup natural drippy almond butter or substitute
  • 0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 0.33 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 0.33 cup flaxseed meal
  • 0.33 cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup roasted cashews or almonds chopped
  • 0.25 tsp sea salt
Topping
  • 1 2.5-3 oz bar dark chocolate or 1/3 cup chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil optional
  • flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Small skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 8x8-inch pan
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the uncooked quinoa for 4-6 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and popping lightly. Remove and let cool.
  2. In the same skillet, lightly toast the rolled oats for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Microwave for 20-30 seconds if needed, then mix until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled toasted quinoa, toasted oats, flaxseed meal, chopped pistachios, chopped cashews or almonds, and ΒΌ teaspoon sea salt. Stir until evenly coated.
  5. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment. Press mixture firmly into the pan.
  6. Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in microwave in intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour over base and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Refrigerate 1-2 hours until set.
  8. Cut into bars and store in fridge or freezer.

Notes

Bars firm up best when chilled. Customize with different nuts or sweeteners.